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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author notes Marx attempted scientific work, including mathematics, but failed at basic problems, yet left useful tips for the future.
In plain terms
Marx tried scientific work, often failing, but offered some useful ideas.
What can you take from it?
Marx’s scientific attempts were limited but occasionally insightful.

Where it applies

  • historical biographies
  • science history

Putting it to work

  • highlighting partial contributions
  • contextualizing historical work

Questions to consider

  • What value do failed scientific attempts have?
  • How should we assess historical contributions?

Another view

Marx’s mathematical attempts are generally considered marginal and not influential.

More from Aleksandr Zinovyev

  1. But the [communist] authorities acquire from Marxism a splendid method and abounding phraseology to justify whatever piggery.

    Permalink to quote #8
  2. Marxism disguises itself as science and owing to this it is easier for Marxism to portray the existing society as acting on the basis of scientific laws of his…

    Permalink to quote #10
  3. The firmest proof that Marxism is not science but an ideology is Marxism's attitude to the experience of the real communist (or socialist) societies.

    Permalink to quote #7

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